#United States #Tallahassee #Greenberg Traurig #George A. Smith

Greenberg Traurig Strengthens Public Finance Team with New Shareholder

Greenberg Traurig, a leading global law firm, has strategically expanded its Tallahassee office by welcoming shareholder George A. Smith into its Public Finance & Infrastructure Practice. With over 26 years of extensive experience in the complicated arena of municipal finance within Florida, Smith is set to enhance the firm's capabilities in this critical area of law.

Having played a vital role in drafting significant municipal finance legislation, Smith has advised Florida's governmental entities on a variety of public finance matters, including unsolicited public-private partnership proposals. His knowledge and experience are expected to greatly benefit both local and statewide clients.

David C. Ashburn, managing shareholder at Greenberg Traurig’s Tallahassee office, expressed enthusiasm about Smith’s arrival, signaling it as an exciting phase in the office's ongoing expansion. “George’s distinguished record in advising on Florida’s major municipal finance transactions and his leadership influence in legislative matters will be invaluable to our clients,” he stated.

Smith’s exemplary career includes serving as disclosure counsel for the $3.5 billion Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A—Florida's largest fixed-rate municipal bond issuance. He has also led counsel teams in 14 bond issues for clients like Citizens Property Insurance Corporation that exceeded an impressive $22 billion altogether.

“Our practice has greatly benefited from the addition of George, further reinforcing our commitment to offering top-notch public finance services. His hands-on approach in guiding clients through complex transactions creates trusted relationships that are fundamental to our practice’s integrity,” emphasized Franklin D.R. Jones Jr. and Ben McGuire, co-chairs of the Public Finance & Infrastructure Practice at Greenberg Traurig.

The incorporation of Smith into the Tallahassee office marks a significant development following recent additions to the team, including former Florida Public Service Commissioner Andrew Giles Fay and shareholder Amy W. Schrader in the Health Care and FDA sectors. The continuity of this strategic growth reflects the firm's aim to reinforce its impact in essential markets across the region.

Smith expressed his admiration for Greenberg Traurig’s collaborative culture and extensive resources. “Having worked with many team members nationwide, I have always been impressed by the industry's profound knowledge and community-centric approach that this firm embodies,” he shared, noting that the firm's expertise in Section 103 tax matters serves as a significant advantage for his clientele.

In addition to his legal practice, Smith actively contributes to the community as the chair of the Public Finance Seminar organized by the Florida Bar’s City, County, and Local Government Section. He regularly presents on significant bond-related topics at various professional associations, including the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties.

A dedicated community member, Smith is actively involved with local nonprofits such as First Tee Tallahassee and the Ronald McDonald House. A proud alum of Florida State University, he holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctorate.

Overall, Smith's expertise and commitment are aligned with Greenberg Traurig's mission to provide exceptional legal solutions while fostering community involvement in Tallahassee and beyond.

About Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is home to nearly 3,000 lawyers operating from 51 locations worldwide, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Known for its vast geographic coverage and versatile practice areas, the firm delivers innovative legal services across various sectors. Recognized as a top law firm by various industry benchmarks, including the Am Law Global 100 and the Law360 400, Greenberg Traurig has also garnered accolades for its culture of philanthropy, pro bono efforts, and dedication to innovation in legal services.